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AgiotThe 16th Edition

This Month Music Week Septem- MUSIC WEEK SEPTEMBER 09 ber 09. Page 1-3 be available, again details to album 'one of the monu- follow. Orders will be possi- mentally great records of the Village News. ble on-line. last 40 years.' In 2006 Liege Page 3 Food and refreshments & Lief was voted 'Best Folk With the Monks at will be sold on this day at Album Ever’ by Radio 2 Mount Athos. the venue. listeners, and in the same Page 4-5 Fairport Convention was year it was awarded a Gold

The Marina. formed in 1967, in subur- Disc for continuing sales. Page 5 ban north London. The Fairport Convention is On the 7th SEPTEMBER group gained its name from still one of the busiest bands Corfu Weather Statis- 2009 the sixth annual Agios a house named Fairport, around. The current line-up tics. Ioannis Music Week is tak- family home of rhythm gui- of Simon Nicol (lead vocal, Page 5 ing place in our village, at tarist Simon Nicol, where rhythm and electric guitars),

Aunty Lula’s Love- the location of the New the band rehearsed. By Dave Pegg (backing vocals, Bites. Cactus Hilton. 1969, with regular work at bass guitar, and mandolin), Page 5 We are very excited at several underground ven- Ric Sanders (violin), Chris the prospect of welcoming ues, a record contract, and Leslie (lead vocal, fiddle, Local News - Tem- ploni Landfill. the Dylan Project for the four albums under their bouzouki, and mandolin) Page 6 climax of this musicfest, on belt, the band was inventing and Gerry Conway the Saturday, 12th Septem- its signature 'folk-rock' (percussion and drums) still News From the ber. Ticket sales are immi- sound, a hybrid of imagina- packs venues on its frequent North. Page 6 nent and the Agiot will be tive revivals of traditional tours. Each year starts with publishing details shortly, as material with modern in- Fairport covering the length Our House and will the Corfiot magazine. strumentation and rhythms. and breadth of Britain on Other Ruins. An attendance of 1000 is The next LP, Liege & Lief, its Winter Tour. In August, Page 7-8 hoped for, there would no was a classic, arguably Fair- the band stages Fairport's Obituaries. doubt be many more if we port Convention's finest Cropredy Convention mu- Pages 8 had the capacity-a situation album, and one which es- sic festival in Oxfordshire.

Aphrodite for Total we are already reviewing for tablished British folk-rock as Most years, there is a tour in Relaxation. 2010. a distinct and influential the USA and Canada and Page 9 There will be a number genre. Critics say that it UK tours by the Fairport of outlets across the island marked the transition of the Acoustic line-up and by Bargain Basement. Page 9 for the sale of tickets, details band from one that used spin-off band The Dylan will follow in this on-line folk music as an influence Project. It is said that Economy. magazine. The price of each on their sound, into a group 'Fairport did for real ale Pages 10 ticket will be 20 Euros for that specialised in reinter- what the Grateful Dead did the Saturday night, but a preting traditional English for LSD.' The Secret Service. special Earlybird ticket will music, and described the Continued on Page 2 Pages 10-11

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Music Week September 09 Britain, Europe and the USA, and cess to the Festival. Continued from page 1 continue to tour in their own right This year's Music Week is the today. At the end of the 1990s, Gib- sixth to take place at this inland The line-up for the Agios Ioan- bons formed the trio Dylan Project, village close to the Aqualand Water nis Music Week is expected to be innovatively using fretless bass, gui- Park. To date, the event has fea- Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg and Gerry tars, accordion and piano to per- tured three concerts of diverse mu- Conway from Fairport Convention, form classic Dylan songs, as well as sic, ranging from classical recitals by joined by Steve Gibbons and PJ his own material. PJ Wright is best organist Lionel Mann and flautist Wright, who together with Dave known as guitarist and lead vocalist Elke Hornig to evenings of folk and Pegg form the trio Dylan Project. with Little Johnny England, slide pop with Jim Knight, Richie Hen- Born in 1950 and brought up in and pedal steel guitarist with The derson, and Russ Bartlett and the North London, Simon Nicol was a Dylan Project and sideman with Good Old Boys. Given an antici- founding member of Fairport Con- Steve Gibbons. He is also a talented pated audience of over a thousand vention. He has been the band's songwriter, with an ability to blend for the Fairport gig, a new open-air main guitarist and lead singer since a poetic sensibility with an under- venue will be used instead of Villa 1975. He has also released two solo standing of traditional song. He has Theodora. Blessed neither with albums and has toured with a num- released a solo album, Hedge of proximity to the beach nor spec- ber of well-known artists, including Sound, and he supported Fairport tacular surroundings, Agios Ioannis Art Garfunkel. Born in Birming- Convention on their 2006 Winter seems an unlikely venue for an ham in 1947, Dave Pegg joined Tour. event which will attract a new cate- Fairport Convention in 1969, after In conjunction with the main gory of visitors to the island – and having been involved in the vibrant Agios Ioannis concert, the musi- not those in search of a cheap pack- local rock scene throughout the cians plan to perform in various age of sea, sun and booze. But in 60s. In 1980, he joined Jethro Tull combinations at other localities on fact, the village was one of the very as bass player and spent 15 years the island during their visit. Refer- first to cater for tourists; in the early with the band (when Fairport Con- ring to promotional aspects, Philip sixties, young 'hippies' would pitch vention toured the USA with Jethro Mawson said: 'We are hoping to set their tents in the olive groves near Tull, Peggy had to play bass twice up an interview with band mem- the square, and this area is still re- every night!). Dave has also co- bers, and a CD will be distributed ferred to as the 'Cactus Hilton'. organised Fairport's Cropredy festi- to Corfu/Greek radio stations. In Soon the old mansion was con- val since the early 1980s. From principle, TV rights and a sensibly verted into a Youth Hostel, while small beginnings, it has grown into priced DVD of the Festival could be some of the cottages along the main a major event that attracts 20,000 used to further future interest. street became holiday apartments. fans each August. He is also an ac- There is so much scope, and with More recently, a Dutch cycling com- complished mandolin player. the right enthusiasm and interest pany moved in, attracting from Born in 1947 and brought up in this event could become a house- April to October family groups who London, percussionist Gerry Con- hold name in the music world akin enjoy the novelty of cycling up and way joined Fairport Convention in to a mini-Glastonbury. It will be, I down the hills that their homeland 1998. He played with Cat Stevens trust, a little more controlled but it lacks. A further ingredient went for six years, touring all over the should provide an opportunity for into the Agios Ioannis tourism world, and also spent a year on the those involved in the Corfu tourism cocktail with the conversion of an road with Jethro Tull. His session business and local entrepreneurs to edge-of-village ruin into the luxuri- credits include Paul McCartney, flourish, and as a result it may be ous Villa Theodora, venue to date Steeleye Span and Ralph McTell. considered another aspect of eco- for the Music Week, which was the Steve Gibbons has been playing tourism which will boost not only brainchild of English/Greek own- with rock bands since 1960, and the economy of Corfu but the na- ers Paul and Lula. Unlike at Pelekas formed the Steve Gibbons Band in tional one.' Holiday companies will - another 'touristic' inland village - 1971. The band worked the pub be encouraged to offer packages development has hardly changed and club circuits until 1975 when based around the event, and the the appearance of the settlement, they were spotted by Pete Town- new expanded EasyJet services, now and summer visitors blend with the shend of The Who. They subse- flying from Manchester and Bristol, local scene. quently toured with The Who in will allow individual travellers ac- Continued on Page 3

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There may in addition be some Music Week September 09 musical surprises but you won’t Barry and Stella Knight, for the free and Continued from page 2 know unless you come, as nothing substantial assistance they afford in cater-

will be pre-advertised. ing and organization. Kostas Taverna - 100 years old The Tuesday and Thursday per- and now run by the third genera- Rich and Karen Quilter for super logisti- formances will include a buffet as tion of the family - is the sole facil- cal support and catering. per normal. Prices this year will be ity in the village centre and com- 18.50 Euros inclusive. AJS for brow-beating the North of the bines the character of a traditional A Special ‘all events ticket will island into submission. kafenion with home-made local and also become available. international cuisine. An event of this size and ambi- Lula for covering so much ground in As illustrious as our new friends that amazing and truly island manner. tion cannot occur without a useful are, we must never forget our other team, so a special thank you is in musicians and friends, whose loy- Ron Woolven for his love and interest, order for the following people [in alty, friendship and continued sup- and active participation with the musi- no particular order] for their vari- cians and transport arrangements. port is the backbone of our dream. ous contributions, which are ongo- Richie Henderson [the Popmas- ing in many cases. This list of sup- Janet and Lionel at Ocay for constant ter] is back by popular demand for porters is likely to grow:- effort. his third consecutive appearance.

He is a true AGIOT, having been Kristos Angelis for his pure enthusiasm Jackie Dickinson, who is the Event for the event. coming here since 1742. It is not Manager. Contact details will be pub- known at present whether he will lished in March for her and other rele- Jo Sperling for the T-shirts have his ‘own night’ or be appear- vant participants. ing alongside the Dylan Project. Apologies if anybody has been omit- Look out for the March Newsletter Hilary Whitton-Paipeti for her ted but it will be rectified down the for a personal message from Richie. monthly articles in the Corfiot. weeks. Lionel Mann and Elke Hornig So, keep tuned in and watch this are expected to provide some cul- Phil and Liam Mawson, Phil for his space. tural diversity on organ and flute. humanity and his original introduction Their evening is likely to be Tues- of Dave Pegg and friends. Liam is to set up a dedicated website for this day the 8th of September. year’s bash.

also wearing exotic garments. Town goes quite wild; it’s great fun! Village News The roads from Town are still in a chaos of works with much delay By Dr. Lionel Mann carnivals – Corfiots never do things to traffic, but hopefully that means Contributing Editor by halves! These carnivals take that they will be sorted by the begin-

place on the three Sundays immedi- ning of the holiday season. When Already the end of winter is in ately preceding the beginning of passing one observes a single opera- sight with white blossom appearing Lent on Clean Monday, the Ortho- tive working, watched and advised on the plum trees and the large mi- dox Church’s equivalent of Shrove by five or six others. It seems to mosa in Villa Theodora garden pre- Tuesday (except that we chew squid improve neither the quality nor senting a blaze of golden bloom. instead of pancakes). The first car- pace of working. There is never a time on the island nival is scheduled for 15th February, The facelift of the taverna inte- when no flowers are showing, but the second for 22nd and the third, rior is proceeding apace. It is acquir- now the brave little vanguard of the really big one, for the 1st March. ing a very attractive décor at the magnificent spring explosion is ten- All the bands take part; there are hands of Nikos, assisted from time tatively peering out. numerous floats; interspersed with to time by Alfie when he can spare Too, the carnival season is upon these are squads of marching girls the time from pilfering cats’ food us. This year Easter, and therefore and groups of dancers in fancy and chewing their plastic plates. also Lent, is early. We enjoy three dress.. Many of the spectators are

FEBRUARY 2009 SINCE AUGUST 2007 Page 4 WITH THE MONKS AT MOUNT ATHOS

Part 2 priest’s words the previous night, By Paul Mc Govern ‘we each have the freedom of Editor choice, as long as we choose good’ Brother David was set to meet Thus absolved I was off through the with Monk-Priest Ephraim after gates as the sun poked his head; to services on the Saturday morning. walk out for the day on an un- These started at 5.00A.M. this day, known path, with no food-getting finishing by around eight, yet we really religious now — but with were a little later on parade. He de- enough water. Five hours outward, “ Real Workers” scribed the interior of the church as then the return should get me breathtakingly beautiful in the home before they bolt the gates. and wooded landscape. It’s getting dawn light. A simple pilgrim’s The hick town is full of building dark so I’m relieved to reach Karyes breakfast was on offer, taken in a work; it’s hard to navigate out of before night falls. Three monks I’d separate room from the holy men. the debris in the lanes, emerging at watched at dawn pushing impossi- Ephraim set him to work wash- last into the beautiful yet sad coun- ble loads in barrows up runways to ing and dusting off all the pews in tryside. A staff is needed and soon I the top of new clerical offices, were the church. He was given a coffee, chance upon such a companion. falling into their truck, no doubt but this had to be consumed out- After a while a mountain stream headed for a cold shower and meal side. David was happy to finish the appears tumbling from a gully of before a long haul of prayers, bed, last of the cleaning before getting rocks high above. Under an over- then up again at three in the morn- into a long chat with the Father, hang a chilly strip for my toilette. ing for Sunday services. This does who was interested to discuss Why is it always so good to be alone not happen in the Anglican David’s occupation as a psycholo- with nature? After a while it’s time Church, Corfu. Straight to our cell gist. It soon became apparent that to move on, eastwards towards the and straight into bed, tired but con- this employment did not meet the coastal Monastery of Iviron. I can tent. David comes back from din- priest’s approval. ‘Your methods do look down on its majesty from ner soon afterwards. He did not not attend to the soul’, Ephraim above-it doesn’t look that far, yet enjoy his meal today as he was sur- clearly regarded the science of psy- the winding deserted lanes never rounded by, er, enthusiastic diners. chology as the devil’s spawn. seem to draw me any closer. By the We swapped our tales of the day clock I figure its time to turn until he went off for a bit more around, when it is so tantalizingly praying — his keenness is worrying. close, teasing me with its mystery by But it is not long before he’s back the blue sea. and we start to settle for the night. On the way back I see many Knock, knock. It’s Father Eph- homesteads amongst the wooded raim, he has come to visit, or maybe hills, several with work in progress. check the truth of David’s explana- These are inhabited mostly by her- tion that I am fatigued. He perches mit monks. Some are very orderly on David’s bed — my friend is on and pretty [the houses that is], yet the spare — and talks to us for a “ Within Grasp” an uneasy feeling pervades. What is long, long time. He seems lonely,

missing? Of course, no women, no especially for his mother-tongue. He ‘Where is Paul?’ he asked. ‘Oh, children. A house is not a home in talks of his religion, his absolute he’s contemplating’. ‘Good, work is these circumstances; at least not faith in the notions of God and the good and so is contemplation’ when every one of those houses has Devil, his conviction that all are Really I was just off for a walk. Was the same loneliness. Even the coun- damned for Hell who do not follow I letting the priest down, my con- try is sad. Hardly a bird to be seen the only true path; Greek Ortho- science questioned me abed? Even or heard, incredible for such a wild doxy. so, I took consolation from the Continued on Page 4

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With the Monks at Mount Athos tarry as long as we may. There is no Continued from Page 4 truth in the a rumour that the wa- THE MARINA ter jug has been tampered with overnight, but it is a long way for a Many people on the island have pee down the stone corridors to the concerns over the architecture and con- struction of the new Marina in the old bathroom, which, incidentally, has town. Here is the link for any inter- cold running water only. ested in pursuing such interest. Press Shoes located in the corridor, down ‘Ctrl’ key and click on link. where they must stay whilst we http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ sleep, and we are off for another corfu_old_port_marina round of praying. Then a simple breakfast which tastes delicious af- CORFU WEATHER - “ Orders” ter 40 hours of self-imposed fasting.

We have a last introduction to the STATISTICS The Roman Catholics got it all Holiest of Relics with our Monk- Here is a snapshot of the weather wrong in the translation of the Priest friend. A brief farewell and a experienced on the island during original Greek to Latin, he then hug, and we are away to our bus, January of this year. befuzzles us with a technical expla- the small port, the escape from this nation of the Holy Trinity. So, we weird yet wonderful land. It seems 214.6mm of rain fell learn we are all Heretics, and must as if we have been here for months, recant to be admitted above. ‘What not a few days. There was rain on 22 days of the happens if I die in this bed right month. now?’ I enquire. ‘Am I doomed?’

He looks thoughtful for a moment. In 2008 the hottest temperature ‘Well’, he opines, ‘I could perform was recorded on 15th August; 37.1 an emergency Baptism I suppose’. celsius Finally he leaves and we are left to contemplate our fate. Sleep. A The coldest was –0.9 c on the 18th bell is clanging very loudly in the February. corridor outside our room. The

Monks are keen to make us earn In 2008 the most rain fell on the our bread. It is three o’clock and 21st December, a very puddly 183.2 time for the Sunday service. We “ The Cutthroat” mm Aunty Lula’s Love-bites Leek and Cheese Crepes leeks and garlic and cook until ten- Ingredients Go: der. Stir in the cheeses and cook (makes about 8) To make the pancakes: place flour, until the Edam melts. Add season- Pancakes: salt, eggs and milk into a food proc- ing. 100g plain flour essor or liquidiser. Divide the filling between pancakes. ¼ tsp salt To cook the pancakes: Heat a little Fold pancakes in half and half 2 eggs oil in a 20cm (about) pan and swirl again to make a cornet shape. Ar- 300 ml milk enough batter over to thinly cover Filling: range in a shallow dish, dot with the base of the pan. Cook for 1 400g butter remaining butter and bake for 10— 700g leeks (trimmed and chopped) minute until lightly golden. 15 minutes until piping hot and 2 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed) golden. 225g Greek Mizithra crumbled Pre-heat oven to 180°C. 100g Edam cheese Salt, pepper To make the filling: Melt 25g of Bon appetite! Oil for frying the butter in a frying pan, add the

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Local News: [TEMPLONI LANDFILL]

There has been much contro- people, after the due warrants were whose rubbish continues to pile up versy raging on for what seems like obtained. The Police Chief spoke to uncollected from the street sides. years, concerning the Landfill at local residents, explaining that the All of this is connected with the Temploni, Corfu. obstruction of the access to the huge row down south, with plans Matters reached a head recently- landfill formed a criminal offence afoot for a new dumping ground at there may be many more heads to and that they were liable to prosecu- Lefkimmi. reach before this saga finishes - after tion. The people living close to this The Supervisor of Public Health picketing by local residents and over-extended and potentially dan- at the Prefecture is aware of the other interested parties. gerous place are, understandably, risks to public health from the accu- Police intervention occurred in not happy with their lot. Yet nei- mulation of rubbish on the streets the form of the arrests of fourteen ther are the folk from other areas of Corfu.

What fun, phrases like "Sprinkle thickly with VERUICELLA" come News From the North up. What the hell is that? It is not By Uncle Bulgaria roads in a dangerous state due to the obvious one that springs to Contributing Editor not bothering to tarmac yet, They mind, ie. Vermicelli, and despite

are pushing forward in leaps and heavy internet research it's a no go. Hi all Look at this, February al- bounds. Who knows maybe there is Any ideas out there please? I am, ready, another month or so and hope here in the North that road and always will be Obnoxious Al. hopefully the tourists will be on chaos will be avoided for the sea- their way. However. Every one up son. ( Ho Ho) Good for the local here is asking, What sort of a sea- De'mos well done. son are we going to have? I see TIM, the owner of Island Well we all know us Brits, 2 Radio which has been off air for weeks summer holiday is a religion, Correction some weeks, ( Due to a lightning I think we will be almost as busy as strike) is back from his travels, (he usual, people wise, but, I think seems to have been gone all win- there will be a lot of in studio/ For those keen observers ter), and will be back on the air apartment cooking as opposed to amongst you, you will have no- this month, this will be good news going out to restaurants. ticed the error in part one of Mt. for the North end of the Island as it When people do go out espe- Athos last month. Agios Oros is is full of chat and they even play cially with kids, it will be "Elo of course on the Eastern penin- some 50s, 60s music for us old farts Cheapo" fast food. Drinks will be sula and not the middle finger as on a Sunday morning. I wait to see cheapest large beer and 2 glasses, reported. if the frequency will be the same. and kids will be one pop and 3 The good old rumour mill sez it straws. This has been corrected now. wont. Any way I am sure I will Credit cards that are not al- bump into him on one of my ready maxed out , WILL be maxed Our apologies. drunken , debauched nights out in out by the time they go home BUT, Rhoda. the holiday will still have been had. Like most of us I like to have a Hey! Were Brits!!! winter project, and I am translating Up the North here the ongoing a handwritten recipe book starting saga with the new drainage system about 150 years ago. I am cooking is still underway, BUT (my favour- every recipe and putting it all with ite word) I am shocked, gob photos into modern book form. smacked even, despite leaving the

FEBRUARY 2009 SINCE AUGUST 2007 Page 7 Our House And Other Ruins ing cut the rusted old wire holding The first ma- By Rich and Karen rotting doors together, we gingerly jor problem The Continentals! stepped into our entrance hall for suddenly the first time. It was one of those loomed when Well, where do moments which you will never for- the land that we we start? 2005 it get, as a lump forms in the back of had thought of was and a chance your throat and tears are perilously as ours, well it conversation, close, well for me anyway! There was on the to- one cold, wet was this thought, I think, in both pography that UK winter day our minds, that it was almost un- came with the purchase of the with a work col- real, had we really done this, made house wasn’t it, suddenly wasn’t?! league, gave us a this momentous decision, was it the Two pieces near the house be- glimpse of a sunnier land sur- right one?! longed to different people, one was rounded by brilliant blue sea and shared by three locals whose soak sky, to bring colour to ones face We had a pile of roof away it was and that had to be nego- and heart at the lowest of times. tiles spare; we thought tiated first. Then the over-grown Not something to be easily forgot- we might need those! lemon and orange trees (all two of ten so, the following August break Mind you the roof them) belonged to an elderly vil- saw us enjoying a holiday in Agios had kept much of the lage man, who would, apparently Ioannis, basking in the sun and house dry for many expect rights to come and sit with spending some of the time explor- years. The property his trees, as was his way, over a pro- ing old ruins, new builds and pieces was actually made up of two typical, posed patio and pathways belonging of land around the island of Corfu very old village houses with a barn to us! Can you imagine, “Kalimera with some new acquaintances, soon beneath and with one living room Mr.Lemon Tree man”, as you lie, to become close friends. above. Many years before, one fam- peacefully in the next to nothing? ily had taken both places and Not quite what we wanted, delight- We saw joined them together at the front. It ful though he may be!? These many tempt- had now stood empty for at least proved to be the most expensive ing places fifty odd years and was being shared two trees in the whole of Corfu, we but we had a by the local animals, bats, cats, pine believe! Not only did it take a lot to limited martens, house martins, scorpions prise these trees from our little old budget and and of course, spiders. man, it also lead to subsequent sell- the views we ers saying, “Pay me what you paid loved we couldn’t afford and then, There were many him!” Not ideal when you are there it was, our hidden “Gem”. It hurdles to be over- forced into buying other bits along seemed the obvious way to go as come and I think the way! there was or could be a real view the fact that we had and, as a very old, dilapidated ruin committed ourselves Patient negotia- it shouldn’t cost too much. We to the house pur- tion prevailed, talked long and hard about it, chase (some were thank god for a counted our pennies and finally, already saying we should be!) did Greek speaker on reached a decision to buy in Octo- help us to keep going when yet an- our side! As we ber 2005. The Gem, as it was being other stumbling block got in our were back at work called by now, finally became ours way, as we would lose money which in the UK we had in February 2006. we were determined wasn’t going to organised Power of happen!! Attorney so that Lula could act on At Easter we came over and hav- Continued on Page 8

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Our House and Other Ruins technology we have these days we Continued from Page 7 Having got access properly to the were able to talk regularly with Paul property we could now begin to and Lula over the internet (Skype) our behalf for buying, selling, elec- work out how to preserve what we and as queries arose we could deal tricity, telephone and water; very could while producing a home with them quickly with scanned necessary if you are not on hand to which was comfortable with the plans scurrying from the UK to sort this out for yourself. Lula strug- mod cons we would need. I had Corfu to try and help the builders gled to bring family members to- always wanted to design my own see what we were after. Everything gether long enough to agree and house (here was my chance) and was dropping into place and the sign the necessary paper work, no our son Luke is also creatively in- build got under way in October mean thing in Corfu! clined and gradually, ideas were dis- 2006 as the “A team” finished an- cussed, knocked backwards and for- other job and were finally “ours and Then we discovered that we wards between the three of us, we The Gem’s”. needed to get other pieces of land, had a local engineer draw the first which we only had right of access plan to give us some idea how the It was about to become a reality over at present. We really didn’t different levels worked within the and take over our waking thoughts want to test the theory as to framework of the house and I be- as well as our dreams; I suspect also, whether this access was for one and gan to draw. Lula’s, Paul’s and maybe the build- half metres for a donkey or two me- ers’ too, may be their nightmares tres for a car, if the owners decided It was quite a challenge to work too!? to be awkward! It was important to within the constraints of an existing ensure we could have proper access framework. Where do you fit toilets to our house on the lower levels in a house that has never had them, below us, as only a donkey could let alone lighting and heating? Lula get through to our front door! This and Paul began to get the team to- is when one or two of the villagers gether, work out costings for the thought they had the golden goose renovation of the Gem. Having who could lay the golden egg! agreed a figure, deposits of cash Thank you Mr. Lemon Tree man! amounts at strategic periods of time So more negotiation by Lula and during the coming year were organ- finally, we owned nearly all our ap- ised and my summer holiday was proach!? It was necessary to find spent completing drawings in Agios Rich and Karen the money for these pieces of extra Ioannis. The mechanicos approved (Continued next month) land but we knew it had to be done the plans and we had to leave for to achieve what we ultimately the UK again. Luckily, with the wanted.

here in our News section a few days David leaves a brother, Miles, in Obituaries ago. He was 58. He died alone in his Australia and a thousand smiles. apartment in Maidstone, Kent, after David had lived in Agios Ioannis be- David Jack Smith police were alerted to his non- tween 2002 and 2006. communication, and the agitated state of his cat, mewing at the door. Ruth Connell He had been poorly for several It is with sadness we report the years and was diagnosed with emphy- passing of English teacher Ruth Con- sema, amongst other ailments. He nell, inhabitant of this island for sev- was much-loved by a wide circle of eral years, following a stroke. Any- friends, who appreciated his great body at her funeral at the British talent for writing and song-writing, Cemetery, could not have been unaf- his carpentry skills, his love and kind- fected by the droves of her young ness towards animals, his keen and Greek students in tears. Condolences David passed away on or about dry wit. to Jim, her husband. the 6th of February, 2009, as reported

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This ‘Tardis’ sleeps eight people, with two double bedrooms down- APHRODITE FOR TOTAL RELAXATION stairs, a Family Gallery bedroom up- stairs, with a double and two singles. sephone, and Rosemary, and we are There are two shower-rooms, one is lucky to have many returnees who en-suite. Air-conditioning is fitted. seem to share this view, but we are The kitchen is equipped, includ- now blessed with more fortune still ing washing-machine for example, with the addition of Aphrodite. there is a cosy fireplace with hearth. Hopefully, you won’t need it. Outside is a spacious verandah for dining and relaxing, and a few short A new and special place is avail- steps to your right is the 32 square able for holiday renting through metre pool, currently under construc- Ocayholidays this summer. tion, due for completion by June 09. Villa Aphrodite lies on the bor- If you are interested in sampling ders of Kokkini and Agios Ioannis, this truly unique location we recom- exactly two miles into the hills from mend you go to www.corfuvillas.org the plateia of Agios Ioannis. The There is a good track, partly sur- and check out the availability, before marvel of this deceptive building is faced, leading up from the Ropa val- it goes. the blanket of peace, solitude and ley road below, the villa nestles aloft serenity which descends upon any- its grove overlooking the mountains body lucky enough to stay, and wan- and sea in the distance. Nearby is a der into the acre of olives, gaze to- listed Chapel, used once a year for wards the cliffs of Ermones in the private services. A car or other trans- west. port is advisable, unless your inten- We are proud of the villas we let tion is to close off the outside world out, which include Theodora, Per- completely.

BARGAIN BASEMENT PRICES FOR BUYERS IN CORFU LICENSED ESTATE AGENTS FOR YOUR PROTECTION ‘featured property’ section. Some need chased we can handle any rebuilding, Ironically, the Global Economic renovation works before they can be renovation or minor works which may Trough which is affecting us has engen- inhabited, yet some others are ready to be required. dered a flipside on our verdant island. live in, albeit they require a certain The most important aspect for us is Before the reality of this financial amount of work to bring them up to to retain what we already have, a sound correction permeated into our Corfu, scratch. reputation in an Island-wide industry prices being asked for new and old that does not always give precedence to properties alike were creeping — and its customers. We do not wish this to not always only creeping-ever higher. sound boastful, we merely wish to im- But things are changing, and at that press on prospective buyers the impor- fairly rapidly. Although some islanders tance of obtaining references from any are still stubbornly holding out for ‘top firms, such as ourselves, BEFORE dollar’ - and indeed some can afford to- enlisting their services. there is a growing realization that if With this in mind we encourage there is a genuine desire to sell, some- you to take up references with our ex- thing must give i.e. the PRICE. isting customers to find out what other So we now have a situation whereby We can show you a selection of people have thought of the way we op- truly exceptional opportunities are ap- such opportunities when you come erate. It always amazes us how few peo- pearing on the market, especially over, and lead you through the process ple take a simple step such as this, amongst the lower-priced properties. to secure the property in your name. which could save disappointment and Several character cottages in charac- Each step of the way we will explain heartache along the way. ter villages are well worth the effort in procedures and more importantly We have been building and re- exploring and appear here on our costs. When you have completed pur- building in Corfu since 1990.

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ECB that currency traders looked of this week to come. What will be beyond the immediate potentially seen as concerning for Sterling are Economy negative effects of a base rate cut the Inflation and Unemployment and instead viewed this as a positive reports on Wednesday and indeed Last week saw some well needed move coming for the British econ- the EZ GDP release on Friday. respite and recovery for Sterling omy. Coupled with this what can Whilst it is tempting for those look- over the recently mighty Euro. The only be said to be disastrous data ing to buy euros from Sterling to landmark events were of course the from Germany where industrial punt on last weeks trends continu- interest rate decisions on Thursday output plummeted by 4.6% in De- ing, if the need for the currency is afternoon, and what seemed like cember, the worst slide in like for still some time off then utilising a for once in a long time there were like information since 1989 then forward time option under current absolutely no shocks. So expected we can begin to see why Sterling market conditions would certainly was the 50 basis point cut from the had such a good week. Indeed it seem a calculated move. B of E and the all hold firm by the may well continue to do so for part

“You take your little boys at six, THE SECRET SERVICE seven or eight, and train them in- tensively until when they are ten or By Dr. Lionel Mann home whose children were pupils eleven they are singing beautifully Contributing Editor of our school. and are excellent musicians, small

Although the School Choir miracles. Then after a few years One evening after I had seen was currently rehearsing for con- their voices break and some of my boarders to bed I was in my certs, including a performance with them become good tenors or basses. study dealing with outstanding mail a local choral society, we dropped But with girls it is different; I never when I received a telephone call everything to prepare for “Mystery start to train them seriously until from the vicar of a small parish Matins”. A visit by a couple of they are twelve or thirteen, and church in the wilds of deepest, very high-ranking police officers even then it is slowly, slowly.” darkest Suffolk. He apologized for removed the mystery as far as I was There was no way that I should ever the short notice but wanted to concerned, but I was strictly en- disagree with the dictum of anyone know if my school choir would sing joined to divulge neither destina- of Sister Mary’s awesome creden- Matins at his church on Sunday tion nor purpose of our excursion. tials. It is foolish to ignore the in- about four weeks ahead. Rather Every boy in the school from the disputable fact that women and intriguingly he said that, apart from age of seven or eight was in the girls are physiologically and psycho- discussing the music, he could not School Choir. No girls? Defi- logically different from men and tell me the reason that he wanted nitely not! In the sixties I had boys, and that it is both arrogant us to visit. Even more interest- been privileged to meet Sister Mary and stupid for either to trespass ingly he said that parents, who of- Leo of the Convent of the Sacred upon the others’ preserves. ten attended when our choir went Heart in Auckland, New Zealand. After removing a couple of in- out singing, could not accompany That sparsely-populated land has competents I had secured the ser- us this time and I was not to tell provided far more than its fair share vices of a first-rate Nursery Class anyone, except our tame coach of leading singers in the world’s op- teacher, British but educated and driver, where we were going. The era houses and concert halls and trained in France, who was not only last bombshell – the County Police almost all of them, as well as many highly skilled in detaching four-year- would contact me. of other nationalities, have at some olds from doting mothers and get- I knew the church. We had time consulted or been trained by ting them seated at desks to learn to sung there a few times before for that diminutive nun. At the time read and write, but who also taught Carol Services and Harvest Festi- that I met her she was in raptures French throughout the school and vals. Its acoustics were good and concerning her latest pupil, a young Music to the fours, fives and sixes. the organ was a reasonable instru- lady called Kiri, who was beginning She was a very good pianist. Her ment, both thereby satisfying our to build a considerable reputation. own children travelled to London prerequisites. The churchyard ad- joined the grounds of a stately Continued on Page 11

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She was trying to wheedle informa- “precious” about our music; I The Secret Service tion from me, but I merely trained to robust Continental-style, Continued from Page 12 shrugged my shoulders. “It’s up to yodel-based singing that I had every Saturday to attend junior you, but they will probably regret it learned on my travels. classes at the Royal College of Mu- if you don’t let them come.” The Their Majesties were attending sic. By the time I took over teach- silly female tried a number of wild church while spending a few days’ ing Music to the seven-year-olds guesses, one or two close to the holiday incognito at the stately they could all sing in tune and read mark, but I gave her no satisfaction. home of friends. The congrega- music! The Sunday arrived and sixteen tion, invited “top-brass” of the The school was a miniature little boys climbed excitedly into the county, started to arrive quite early United Nations and I derived much mini-coach that we always hired for and we were condemned to wait in quiet amusement from time to time such occasions. Too there was a silence in the vestry for nearly a at the sight of young Hindus, Sikhs, thirteen-year-old former pupil, a half-hour while my assistant per- Moslems, Confucians, Taoists, very promising “assistant organist”, formed most of his “party-pieces” Jews, or Jehovah’s Witnesses and of who came to play before services, before I took over and the choir every branch of Christianity, leaving me free to see to the choir. processed to their places in the dressed in the gowns and medal- We set off. chancel. lions of the choir, singing Matins, “You’re going to sing for the “Don’t forget, you never look at Evensong, Christmas carols, Easter Queen and Prince Philip this morn- the congregation, even if your deaf anthems, Harvest hymns in Angli- ing,” I remarked casually. old millionaire granny is there. can churches. When not required Seventeen pairs of eyes popped. You have eyes only for your books for choir duty the boys attended Seventeen jaws dropped. and the opposite Leading Choris- their own places of worship and we “I’m not playing!” My ter.” Despite my usual admonition made no attempt to convert; who “assistant” tried rebellion. I am sure that eyes swivelled, al- were we to claim our way to be bet- “You don’t think that you’re though heads faced front, when all ter than theirs? Our interest was coming just for the ride, do you?” stood as punctually, the church simply musical and it was under- Rebellion was nipped in the bud. clock chiming the hour, Their Maj- stood that the requirements of the “Bow your head as in church esties entered and took their places choir were paramount. Not only and say ’Your Majesty’ first time in a front pew. We launched into the boys but also their parents were and ‘Ma’am’ thereafter, Your High- 1662 Book of Common Prayer Mat- very proud of their sons’ member- ness’ and ‘Sir’ thereafter.” A quick ins in all its imposing solemnity. ship of both school and choir. We course in etiquette. At this distance in time I cannot also provided the choir for “society” The entire area around the recollect what music we sang, ex- weddings and no chorister ever church was thick with police, some cept of course the National An- complained of the five pounds or in uniform, others in plain clothes. them. more that he received, often in ad- Our coach was directed to park Afterwards, playing while the dition to a very substantial feast! some distance from the church and congregation dispersed, I missed Lunch break at school was one- we were aware of close scrutiny as the fun. The boys were chattering and-a-half hours, the first half-hour we made our way, the boys in or- all the way home about the cheerful lapping up the delicacies provided derly pairs, to the medieval build- way that Prince Philip had chatted by our gem of a cook, the next half- ing. An interloper would have and joked with them. There were hour a quiet reading period in class- been immediately spotted anyway, sixteen fervent little royalists of vari- rooms and the last half-hour free as all but myself wore the school ous races in the coach. All that af- time. However for the choir the uniform, mid-grey everything except ternoon I received telephone calls middle period was choir practice on white shirts, crimson and gold sock- from parents requiring substantia- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or cuffs, ties and cap-badges. We had tion of their sons’ claims of ac- more often if needed. arrived an hour early for our cus- quaintance with royalty. The next Of course one officious mother tomary “sing-in” before the congre- day we posed for press photographs was not certain that she could let gation started to arrive, but even accompanying accounts of what was her sons come with the choir “if I that had an audience of a few police no longer a Secret Service. don’t know where they’re going”. who seemed to appreciate the boys’ vitality. There was nothing